Every day, approximately 6,000 Baby Boomers die in the United States. Most of them have wealth their favorite causes will never see. This isn’t because they don’t want to give, but because no one asked them to think about it. That gap between donor intent and realized gifts is one of the most expensive missed opportunities in the nonprofit sector, and it is happening right now.

Ask any development director what keeps them up at night, and DAF donors will come up quickly. Not because those donors are difficult to work with, but because they are so difficult to find. You likely have dozens of DAF holders in your database right now, but without the right tools and habits, they look exactly like everyone else on your list.

Last spring, we published a deep dive on how donor-advised funds are reshaping philanthropy. The short version: DAFs had grown into a massive, mainstream giving vehicle, and nonprofits without a DAF strategy were leaving real money on the table. That post covered the fundamentals well. But a lot has happened since April 2025, especially with the rise of micro DAFs.

A year ago, most nonprofits were cautiously experimenting with artificial intelligence. Staff members were quietly using ChatGPT to draft fundraising emails. Development directors were testing AI tools on the side, often without formal guidance or organizational buy-in. The conversation across the sector was largely theoretical: Could AI help nonprofits? Should nonprofits use it?

According to a study of 17 nonprofit organizations from M+R, after Google rolled out AI Overviews widely in in March 2025, organic traffic dropped every month compared to the previous year and hit a 13% year-over-year decline by August. The twist? Searches for those same organizations' brand names rose by nearly 19% during the same period. More people were searching, but fewer were clicking through because they found their answers from the AI-generated summaries on the first page of the search results.

As nonprofits grow, the systems that once served them well can become obstacles to progress. According to a 2025 Chronicle of Philanthropy survey of over 350 nonprofit leaders, two-thirds think technology deficits are hampering their organization's growth, with manual processes eating up staff time and complicating their ability to communicate with donors. Recognizing when your CRM has become a bottleneck rather than an asset is the first step toward making a change that can transform your fundraising effectiveness.

The nonprofit sector faces a critical challenge: a 4.5% decline in the donor base during 2024, marking the fourth consecutive year of shrinking support. While this trend demands immediate attention, the solution may already exist within your organization's technology infrastructure.

New federal tax rules taking effect in 2026 will change how many donors receive tax benefits for charitable giving. While tax law can feel distant from day-to-day fundraising, these updates directly affect donor behavior, gift timing, and how supporters think about their contributions.

As we head into 2026, the nonprofit world finds itself navigating another year of complexity, opportunity, and transformation. The good news? Philanthropy is rising to meet the moment with more purpose, collaboration, and smarter strategies.

As we approach 2026, artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept for nonprofits. It’s here. It’s growing, and it’s reshaping what’s possible in the sector. For years, nonprofits have faced a stark reality: limited funding, overburdened staff, and rising demand for services. Now, a new question is taking hold across boardrooms, development offices, and program teams: “Can AI help us do more with less, and do it better?”

As we head into the critical year-end giving season, fresh fundraising data has sent a clear message to nonprofits. While total dollars raised are modestly up, donor participation remains shaky and relying on big donors alone is starting to look riskier than ever.

Another year-end giving season is upon us, and that means crunch time for many nonprofits. The final few months of the year, especially the last few days of December, are critical for meeting fundraising goals, deepening donor relationships, and setting the tone for the year ahead.

Giving Tuesday 2025, set for Tuesday, December 2, arrives during a uniquely challenging time for nonprofit fundraising. With donor acquisition rates continuing to fall and economic pressures impacting giving behavior, nonprofits must evolve beyond one-day fundraising pushes. It's no longer enough to generate gifts. Organizations need to focus on building relationships that extend well beyond December 31. In fact, success on Giving Tuesday is no longer measured by dollars alone. It's about what happens afterward.

When you think of a donor, what image comes to mind? If it’s someone older with deep pockets and a checkbook, it’s time to refresh that picture. Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, is quickly making its mark in the philanthropic world. Now, approaching their late 20s, their giving habits may look different than previous generations, their impact is already being felt.

In a world where digital noise is louder than ever, nonprofits are always looking for ways to cut through the clutter and connect with supporters in meaningful, immediate ways. That’s why SMS campaign are one of the most powerful tools in a nonprofit’s fundraising toolkit.

If you work in nonprofit development, you already know how important a heartfelt thank-you can be. But let’s be real, writing donor thank-you letters often turns into a last-minute task you squeeze in between meetings and campaign reports. Sound familiar? You're not alone.

In the ideal world of fundraising, supporters would discover your nonprofit, feel instantly connected to your mission, and give generously, again and again. But back in reality, donors are juggling busy schedules, limited budgets, and an overwhelming number of causes to consider. That’s why understanding the donor journey is one of the most powerful tools your nonprofit can use to build lasting relationships and grow sustainable giving.

If your organization hasn’t started taking microdonations seriously, now is the time to start.